TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Chapter One: Greyhound Facts and Descriptions 3
- History 3
- The Athletic Runner 5
- As a House Dog 7
- Physical Characteristics 9
- Chapter Two: Choosing and Acquiring a Greyhound 15
- Looking in All the Right Places 16
- The Reputable Breeder 16
- Breeder Advantages 17
- Breeder Disadvantages 18
- Greyhound Rescue Organizations 18
- What You’ll Find from Rescue Groups 19
- Breed Rescue Advantages and Drawbacks 19
- Finding a Breed Rescue Group 21
- The Breed Rescue Process 21
- Animal Shelters and Humane Societies 22
- Types of Shelters 23
- Shelter Advantages and Drawbacks 24
- Selecting a Healthy Greyhound Puppy 25
- What To Look For When Viewing A Litter And The Breeders Facilities 25
- Viewing A Litter Of Puppies 26
- Qualities To Be Aware Of When Choosing A Working Puppy 38
- Choosing A Healthy Greyhound Puppy 38
- Naming Your Puppy 40
- Leaving His Mother And Litter Mates 41
- Chapter Three: Preparing for Your Greyhound 43
- Necessary Supplies and Equipment 43
- Habitat Requirements For Greyhounds 44
- Necessary Supplies And Equipment 46
- Puppy Proofing Your Home 58
- Introducing Your Greyhound To Other Family Members 63
- Children 64
- Other Pets 66
- Chapter Four: Feeding Your Greyhound 71
- Nutritional Requirements for Greyhound Dogs 72
- Protein 72
- Carbohydrate 73
- Fats 73
- Vitamins 74
- Minerals 74
- Water 74
- How Much Food Should I Give My Dog? 75
- How Frequently Should I Feed My Dog? 76
- Chapter Five: Grooming Your Greyhound 79
- The Coat 80
- The Nails 80
- The Teeth 81
- The Ears 82
- Bathing 83
- Chapter Six: Training and Behavior Modification 85
- Teaching Basic Commands 85
- Teaching Come 87
- Teaching Sit 87
- Teaching Down 88
- Teaching Stay 89
- Teaching Heel 90
- Potty Training Your Greyhound Dog 92
- Establish Her Living Area 92
- Establish the “Toilet” Area 93
- Positive Reinforcement 93
- Treats 96
- Types of Treats 97
- How and When to Treat 100
- Bribery vs. Reward Dog Treating 102
- Collar/Harness & Leash Training 103
- A Word On The Hazards Of Using Collars In The Field 103
- Walking Equipment (Collar Or Harness And Leash) 103
- Putting The Collar Or Harness On 105
- Initial Walk 106
- Training Steps 106
- Clicker Training Your Greyhound Dog 108
- How Do You Use A Clicker For Training? 111
- Understanding Wagging and Barking 114
- What Does the Wag Mean? 114
- What Does the Bark Mean? 116
- Managing Behavioral Problems In Your Dog 122
- Aggression 125
- Barking and Whining 126
- Chewing 126
- Digging 127
- Jumping 127
- Dealing with Separation Anxiety 128
- What Causes Dog Separation Anxiety? 129
- Typical Dog Separation Anxiety 130
- Distinguishing Separation Anxiety from Other Problems 133
- Helping Your Greyhound Cope While You’re Away 136
- Going To The Park 141
- Other Dogs And Their Communication Signals 144
- How Dogs Greet Each Other 145
- How To Interact With Humans 148
- Games 149
- Chapter Seven: Vet Care for Your Greyhound 153
- Choosing A Veterinarian 153
- Why Vaccinate a Puppy? 155
- Common Diseases and Viruses 157
- Other Diseases and Viruses 161
- Additional Vaccinations 171
- When Is a Puppy Vaccinated? 171
- Do You Need a Pet Insurance? 172
- De-Worming 173
- Healthy And Sick Dog 175
- When Your Greyhound Eats Something They Shouldn’t 177
- Stress 179
- Chapter Eight: Showing Your Greyhound 183
- Transporting Your Dog 185
- Chapter Nine: Breeding Your Greyhound 189
- Choosing When To Breed 189
- Breeding Process 191
- Birthing Process 193
- Understanding Various Stages Of Growth 197
- Conclusion 203
- Glossary of Terms 205
- Index 211
- Photo Credits 219
- References 221